A FIVE generation family from South Derbyshire is celebrating after the latest addition to the larger-than-life clan.

Pauline Allen thought it was the perfect time to tell all about her family history after welcoming its 78th member last month.

At the head of the family is 86-year-old Eliza Spendlove, known as Annie, followed by her 11 children, 30 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and now three great-great-grandchildren after the birth of Maddie in January.

As the oldest daughter of Mrs Spendlove, who has lived in Hatton all her life, Mrs Allen took it upon herself to contact the Mail.

Understandably, she admits that it’s hard to keep in touch with everyone, such is the size of the family, but says her one wish would be to get the whole family together for her mother.

She said: “Obviously it’s hard to get everyone together, but my mum’s wish would be to get everyone in the same room. I’m going to try.”

Since the death of Pauline’s father, she says that her family has become even more important to her mother, who spent time working in Hatton’s Nestle factory in her younger days.

Mrs Allen said: “She loves her family, and she always makes sure everyone gets something off her at Christmas and on birthdays.

“Since my father died, it makes her family even more important, she’s always been there for us. We all look after mum, she’s never without visitors, there’s always someone going to see her whether it’s family or friends. Can you imagine how many Christmas cards she gets? But she loves her babies and is always pleased when another one comes along.”

It seems that the family numbers are only going to swell further with number 79 due to be born in the summer.

Mrs Allen added: “Mum’s 35th great-grandchild is due in the summer, then there will probably be someone else in 12 months’ time. There’s always somebody coming along.”